MRT woe

I admit. This are very oooold complaints. Still, people complain about it. Cramped MRT. MRT carriage has no seat.

Problem 1: Cramped MRT. I do observe that MRT is getting more cramped since 2 years ago. This is probably because the costs of driving and cabs are going up and so people are resorting to cheaper means of public transport: MRT and bus. Compared to bus, MRT is much faster. Therefore, people tend to take MRT. Problem is the MRT system (East-West and North-South lines) is about 24 years old. From what I read, the signaling system cannot handle train frequency of less than 2 minutes (Some people are demanding trains at a frequency of once every minute).

We can try the frequency of once every 2 minutes. However, I think the problem is with the passengers. There are more passengers. The train is more cramped. People need more time to get out of the carriage. Therefore, if we stipulate the frequency of 2 minutes, the trains will be held up between stations (Remember the times when the trains stopped between stations or halted at a station?). This is because the trains have anti-collision system that tracks the distance between trains. When trains are at a minimum distance apart, the system kicks in and stops the train behind to prevent collision for example. Therefore, even if the frequency is once every 2 minutes, eventually, it will stretch to 3.

Can you imagine how will your days be if they have to overhaul the entire line? Imagine days of MRT. Imagine you, getting from Pasir Ris to Boon Lay by bus. Imagine standing in traffic jam and on the road for 1 hour without seats. At least twice a day. How? I think they probably have to overhaul sooner or later. Let's hope they have a better plan.

In the meantime, I think we can address this "cramped" problem. Ever thought why it became cramped? More people taking MRT of course. But how about people refusing to move into the centre of the carriage? Ok. Some people with big bags (or big sizes) cannot squeeze into smaller spaces. This is not their fault (I remember someone suggesting SMRT ban backpacks on trains). The slimmer ones can move into these spaces. The carriage can actually hold 3 rows of standing passengers. But often, you will see only two rows. Why? People did not think to stand closer to the sitting passengers. Or the legs of sitting passengers went too far out, obstructing the standing passengers.

Problem 2: MRT carriage has no seat. Obviously, this is to accommodate more passengers. Logically, standing passengers take up less space than seating passengers. There are opinions that people actually take up more space when standing because of their need of more private space. Owners of these opinions, therefore, believes that SMRT should put the seats back because people expect to be seated since they paid the full fare or SMRT should charge less for standing passengers.

Somehow, when people give comments, they rarely realize that the problem can be solved by themselves. More private space? How private do you want? Should SMRT mark out square boxes in carriages and make sure people stand in their own squares? As long as no one gets molested or feel the hands of others on their bodies, have their pockets picked or have to sniff some bad body odour or perfume throughout their journey, it should suffice. Often, it is only a short journey. A little tolerance will go a long way. Besides, do you not feel guilty that because of your need for private space that others are late for appointments or to work? How about if you are at the receiving end? Even if there are seats, what are your chances of getting a seat in actual situation?

Granted, people do not change immediately. They need some time. Therefore, people should work together and make the MRT rides a more efficient one and which is more comfortable for everyone is general. Instead of merely complaining to SMRT, we should also take a look at how we can help alleviate the problems.